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TR2/3/3A Correct Procedure to Raise TR3 Soft Top

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af3683

af3683

Jedi Trainee
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I would appreciate it if someone could please explain to me or direct me to instructions for raising a TR3 top. I've never put it on the before and the TR3 Service Manual and the Practical Hints Manual do not seem to address installation of the top. My top is old and hasn't been on the car in many years. I finally got it on but it took me quite a while so I'm sure I didn't do it correctly. It fits like a glove. I started by extending the top frame and connecting 2 of the Lift-the-Dot snaps in the rear. I then pulled the top over the frame and pulled really hard to connect the Tenex snaps to the windscreen. It worked but there must be a better way. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Art
 
Once you get the sticks opened you will note that on the main support at the rear of the door there is a short section that, when pushed toward the front of the car, causes the entire top frame to lower a couple of inches. Then you can install the top and more easily engage the tenax fasteners.

At this point you push the short sections toward the rear of the car, causing the top bows to rise and tighten the fabric top. This can require some pressure at the end of this exercise to get the short sections to snap into place.

Removal of the top is the reverse of the above.

Hard to explain without pictures, but someone will post some for clarification. I haven't put up the top on a 3 sine '64, but that is how I remember doing it.
 
And watch out for the hand pinching, usually between the thumb and forefinger as you push the top frame up. I still do it occasionly after all these years.

Marv
 
Ditto on the pinching. I always check the bows before popping them to make sure they aren't resting against the windows to avoid scraching the plastic.
 
Thank you. So the Tenax fasteners on the front are snapped on first, then the frame is pushed back into the top, and then the Lift-the-Dot fasteners are snapped on the rear. Are you supposed to be in the "back seat" when you are doing this? Seems like a 2 person job.

Art
 
Whole top snapped in place, including the rear tenax, then the frame gets pushed back...
 
What he said... and 'reverse of the above' is the easiest way to remove the top as undoing that 'knee' joint takes the tension off the fasteners front & rear.

When pushing the knee in to finish the install I always use the heel of my hand to avoid getting any fingers in the works.

If you ever try a TR4 top you'll realize that the TR3 top is a breeze.
 
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